Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-05-09

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, May 9, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK PREMIER, EUROPEAN COMMISSION CHIEF SALUTE "DAY OF EUROPE"

Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Simitis saluted today's commemmoration of the "Day of Europe", in an event held at the Greek Parliament's Old Building and attended by the President of the European Commission Jacques Santer.

Mr. Simitis is an advocate of strengthening Europe's social aspect and creating an efficient, common foreign and defense policy in order to secure the Community's solidarity.

In regards to Greek-Turkish issues, the Premier stated that Greece is in favor of Turkey's European orientation, as long as this country actively displays its respect of international laws and declares that it has no expansionist designs in the Aegean.

Speaking on the issue of Cyprus, Mr. Simitis stated that the resolvement of the island's division should not consitute a prerequisite for Cyprus's accession to the EU.

In turn, Mr. Santer took the podium and stated that the principle of unanimity and the right to veto should be abolished within the Community and also proposed that smaller countries are neither represented in the European Commission, nor be allowed to play the key roles. A.F.

[02] EU COMMISSION CHIEF SALUTES NORTHERN GREECE'S ROLE IN BALKANS

The President of the European Commission Jacques Santer noted the positive course of Greece's fiscal policy and hailed Northern Greece's businesses for their ability to carry out a significant role in pioneering economic ties with its neighboring countries, during his address at this evening's annual meeting of the Association of Northern Greece's Industries (SVVE), held in Thessaloniki.

Addressing local industrialists, Mr. Santer referred to "Day of Europe", commemmorating the 47-year mark since Robert Schumman founded the European Union.

The Chief Commissioner also referred to Thessaloniki as the Cultural Capital of Europe for 1997, and pointed out the inherent symbolism of his presence as President of the European Commission.

In his speech, Mr. Santer said that today's challenges within the community can be itemized as follows: a) talks for the revision of the Maastricht Treaty, conducted within the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference, b) preparations for the EU'S future fiscal policies and c) the Economic and Monetary Union and the opportunities for development and employment thereafter.

In dealing with these hurdles, Mr. Santer stated,. the EU's official bodies must be characterized by transparency, democratic processes and efficiency. Moreover, he stated that the EU member- states are in favotr of a common policy on matters of political asylum and immigration, while he also added that cooperation must be fortified when it comes to combating international crime, drug trafficking and prostitution.

Focusing on Greece, Mr. Santer said that Greece is benefiting from the EU's accellerated development.

"Since 1994 the Greek economy has been steadily improving," he said, adding that the Greek state's inflation rate has been steadily dropping and the country's fiscal status presents a positive image.

"The efforts must be continued for a long term," Mr. Santer stated. "There is room for further gain if this adjustment rate is maintained."

Mr. Santer also stated that Greece has an important role to play in the economies of its neighboring Balkan countries.

"Ventures in Greece, and more specificallly in Macedonia and Thrace, are faced with new opportunities for increased trade, investment and cooperation," Mr. Santer said.

"II would like to encourage you to seize these opportunities. It will be to your own benefit, as well as to the benefit of your trade allies. And by displaying this interest, you are contributing to the creation of the groundwork for the vast project we undertook when we decided to accept Central and Eastern Europe's countries, as well as Cyprus, as new member-states.

As SVVE's featured guest, Mr. Santer heard proposals on the way Greek businessmen develop activities in the Balkans and the Black Sea region, thereby increasing the EU's involvement in those areas as well.

SVVE's President Nikos Efthimiades stated that "in order to face the fierce competition from the Far East and the United States, the EU must strengthen the positive effects of economic integration." He added that Mr. Santer's visit to Greece on the "Day of Europe" signifies the EU's utmost interest in Greece and the Balkans.

Tomorrow Mr. Santer will visit Mountain Athos, accompanied by Greece's European Commissioner of Energy and Tourism Christos Papoutsis, and will also meet with Greek political leaders. A.F.

[03] SIMITIS, SANTER SEE EYE TO EYE ON A UNITED EUROPE

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis met with the President of the European Commission Jacques Santer today in light of the commemmoration the the "Day opf Europe".

The two leaders discussed the Intergovernmental Conference, the developments in the Economic and Monetary Union, the Greek- Turksih relations as well as Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

"As the past 40 years have shown, there is a power in the EU that can secure its course in the future," Mr. Simitis stated, while Mr. Santer stressed that Europe must have a cohesive foreign and defense policy. A.F.

[04] GREEK PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT ON "DAY OF EUROPE"

The Council of Europe is an important and siginficant institution, stated the President of the Greek Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis in his message for today's "Day of Europe".

"It is an institution in which both the Greek and European people invest their expectations. They look forward, with faith, hoping that one day it will deeply affect the continent's life," Mr. Kaklamanis added.

He further referred to matters that have been addressed numerous times by the C of E, such as the continuous occupation of Cyprus by Turkey and the violation of the Greek-Cypriots' human rights. Mr. Kaklamanis voiced his hope that the truth will shine through within the Council of Europe and the members will actively display their will to restore justice.

"This is the duty as well as the power of an institution that is founded on the principles of justice, the ethical order in the peoples' and the individuals' relations, far and beyond from any whatsoever temporary interests and deliberations that betray the (people's) trust and belief in the need for its existence, " Mr. Kaklamanis concluded. A.F.

[05] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ON MR.SANTER'S VISIT TO GREECE

It is an honour for Greece that the "Day of Europe" celebrations take place in the country, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas on the occasion of European Commission President Jacques Santer's visit.

Mr.Reppas stressed that the government continues its efforts in order for Greece to be on a common course with the rest EU countries.

The Greek government spokesman also announced that a joint Greek-Israeli military exercise will be held in the region between the Aegean islands of Rhodes and Kastelorizo on June 24-30. The details of the exercise, said mr.Reppas, will be discussed during the visit of an Israeli high official to Athens at the end of the month.

[06] EU EARMARKS $22-26 BILLION FOR GREECE DURING 2000-2005

The European Union will grant Greece with $22-26 billion between the years 2000-2005 in the form of funding and investments, according to the President of the European Commission Jacques Santer, who confirmed that the Greek government and the EU have signed an agreement on principle for this amount.

The European Commission's chief also said the decisIon is to be finalized by mid-July. The funds are to be allocated for building and investment projects. A.F.

[07] A NEW BORDER POLICE FORCE WILL BE FORMED SOON

In a meeting of the Defence, Public Order and Merchant Marine Ministers that was held in Parliament under Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, a decision was reached for the establishment of a new border police force.

The new force will be made up of about 1.000 police, army and coastguard officers, who will serve for 5 years, and it will be equiped with modern detection devices. The force will be under the authority of the Ministry of Public Order and the army will contribute to the training of its members.

[08] UNEMPLOYMENT WILL INCREASE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS

Unemployment today is a limited phenomenon compared to the mass unemployment that will be observed in the following years, stressed Labour Minister Miltiadis Papaioannou in a speech delivered during the two-day conference on Work in Europe organized by Thessaloniki's Labour Center.

The development of technology will make thousands of jobs obsolete and therefore, thousands of people will be out of work, stated the Labour Minister. He also added that the solutions proposed for dealing with unemployment can not reject technology and must take under consideration the conclusions of science and research in order to be successful.

[09] SAE PRESIDIUM'S MEETING UNDERWAY IN THESSALONIKI

The Presidium of the Council for Greeks Abroad (SAE) has embarked on its fourth meeting in Thessaloniki where the nine participants have expressed their faith in the organization's task and goals.

The meeting, to conclude on Sunday, will examine the proposals tabled by SAE's regional chapters and will pave the way for SAE's second plenary session, to be held in December. A.F.

[10] GREEK AUTHOR TASOS ATHANASIADIS RECEIVED THE "HERDER 1997" PRIZE

Distinguished Greek author and academician Tasos Athanasiadis is among the seven European personalities that were honoured with the "Herder 1997" prize.

The award ceremony was held in the University of Vienna and mr.Athanasiadis' contribution to the Greek and European literature was praised by University professor and member of the Herder Award Board of Directors mr.Friedrich Scholz.

The "Herder 1997" Prize was established in 1964 by the Alfred Toepfer Institute in Germany, is accompanied by the sum of 30 thousand DM and is awarded to distinguished personalities in the arts and literature.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT IN THESSALONIKI TODAY

The President of the European Commission Jacques Santer is to receive proposals concerning the European Union's enlargement and Greece's role therein, during tonight's annual meeting of the Association of Northern Greece's Industries (SVVE), to be held in Thessaloniki.

As SVVE's featured guest, Mr. Santer will hear proposals on the way Greek businessmen can develop activities in the Balkans and the Black Sea region, thereby increasing the EU's involvement in those areas as well.

SVVE's President Nikos Efthimiades stated that "in order to face the fierce competition from the Far East and the United States, the EU must strengthen the positive effects of economic integration." He added that Mr. Santer's visit to Greece on the "Day of Europe" signifies the EU's utmost interest in Greece and the Balkans.

Tomorrow Mr. Santer will visit Mountain Athos, accompanied by Greece's European Commissioner of Energy and Tourism Christos Papoutsis, and will also meet with Greek political leaders. A.F.

[12] NATO OFFICIALS DISCUSSED THE OUTCOME OF A RECENT MILITARY EXERCISE

The outcome of the NATO military exercise "Dynamic Action - 97", that was held recently in the region of Larisa in central Greece, was discussed in Thessaloniki today by senior officials from countries in the alliance's south-eastern European wing.

In the meeting participated high officials from Greece, Italy and Turkey, who also examined the latest details regarding NATO's new joint military exercise, which is expected to take place in the region of Skopje.

The NATO officials also briefed those present in the meeting on the advantages offered by the use of computers in the military exercises. All the moves made by the troops participating in the "Dynamic Action - "97" exercise had been programmed and held exclusively by computers for the first time in the history of the alliance.

[13] FYROM TARGETS HALF-A-BILLION-DOLLAR MARK IN TRADE WITH GREECE

Economic trade betwen Greece and FYROM can reach the mark of $500 million annually, according to the President of FYROM's Economic Chamber Mr. Petrevski, who also stated that a basic prerequisite for reaching such a goal is to accellerate trade in the industry sector.

The annual trade between the two countries currently stands at $146 million, while opportunities abound in the sectors of energy, textiles, metals and tourism.

According to data provided by Mr. Petrevski, annual trade betwen Greece and FYROM reached $120 million in 1989, increased to $147 million in 1991 and plummeted to $36 million in 1994, when the name issue pending between the two countries was at its most heated stage. A.F.

[14] CONSULTATIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF NEW GOVERNMENT IN BULGARIA

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov began consultations today with the political parties represented in Parliament for the formation of a new government.

Mr.Stoyanov met with the representatives of the two largest parties, the Union of Democratic Forces and the Democratic Left, while on Monday he is expected to meet with the representatives of 4 smaller parties.

Meanwhile, it was announced that the new Bulgarian government will be formed by May 20.

[15] ELECTIONS IN KOSOVO HAVE BEEN POSTPONED

Vice-President of Kosovo's Democratic Association Fehmi Agani announced the postponement of the parliamentary elections in the Serb province of Kosovo scheduled to take place on May 24.

According to political commentators in Belgrade, the decision was the result of pressures exerted by the United States as Washington does not support the declaration of Kosovo's independence.

[16] FYROM'S FM: WE GRANT PRIORITY TO OUR RELATIONS WITH GREECE

FYROM's closer apporach to Greece is not merely due to the recent crisis that erupted in Albania, but mostly to the fact that its relations with Greece is a priority issue for his country, said Ljubomir Frckovski, the Foreign Minister of FYROM.

Mr. Frckovski also stated that Greece is currently before the chance to prove itself as the mentor who can enable the accession of Balkan countries into NATO and the EU, the exact phrase used earlier yesterday by FYROM's Premier Branco Cervenkovski.

Regarding the name issue pending between Greece and FYROM, Mr. Frckovski stated that the issue does not bear such significance as to affect relations between the two countries, while he did emphasize that his country attends the New York-held interim talks with the aim to reach a commonly-accepted solution. A.F.

[17] FYROM'S FM: WE WON'T CONCEDE ON NAME ISSUE

FYROM's Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski has stated that the only concession his country is willing to make on the name issue currently pending with Greece is to allow Greece to address its neighbor with any name it wishes.

Concurrently, Mr. Frckovski also stated that his country will use its constitutional name "Republic of Macedonia" during international affairs and correspondence. A.F.

[18] GREECE, GEORGIA SIGN AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATION IN CULTURE

Greece and Georgia have proceeded to sign an agrement for cooperation in the sector of culture, during today's meeting between Greece's Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and the President of Georgia's Academy of Sciences Mr. A. Tayhelitze.

The agrement refers extensively to the lengthy ties that bind the two ocuntries and the share of obstacles they have encountered in the course of their histories.

The agreement foresees an exchange of information among the two countries in the sector of archaeology and the common organization of seminars and symposiums. A.F.

[19] CYPRIOT FM TO MEET WITH US SECRETARY OF STATE ON JUNE 6

Cyprus' Foreign Minister Yiannakis Kasoulides will be received by the United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on June 6 in Washington, where the two will discuss the island's current situation, the United Nations' latest mediation attempts and, overall, the various ways in which the US can contribute to resolving the Cyprus problem.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns relayed Ms. Albright's heightened interest in the eastern Mediterranean region and emphasized that the Secretary of State "would like to see us do whatever we can in order to help Greece and Turkey minimize their differences and to also reach a solution to the Cyprus problem."

In regards to the experts committees formed by Greece and Turkey and the possibility of the two neighbors embarking on a dialogue, Mr. Burns stated that his country encourages both Athens and Ankara to meet, discuss the proposals and reduce the existing tensions. A.F.

[20] ALBANIAN ELECTORAL LAW DISCUSSIONS ARE BEING LED TO A DEADLOCK

The talks of the Albanian political parties which are aimed at finding a compromise solution to the issue of the election system, based on which the June 29 elections will be held, are being led to a deadlock.

The contacts OSCE envoy Frants Vranitski had with the representatives of the Albanian political parties, Prime Minister Baskim Fino and President Sali Berisha have been completed without any significant results.

Prime Minister Fino made it clear that in case the electoral law proposed by his government is not passed, he will resign and underlined that the elections are the last chance for the country's future.

[21] MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE IS KEY TO PREVENTING HEART DISEASE

The famous Mediterranean cuisine is the key to preventing and treating heart disease, according to findings presented at the Thessaloniki-held Ninth Balkan and 24th Pan-Hellenic Endocrinology Conference.

Specifically, this diet, wholly represented by the Greek cuisine, predominantly features olive oil, the major staple in Greek cooking, seafood, greens and vegetables, plenty of legumes and fruits, followed by dairy products on a smaller scale. Red meat is featured at the lowest scale of the Mediterranean cuisine's food pyramid. A.F.

[22] A PARLIAMENT DEPUTY OF BULENT ETSEVIT'S PARTY HAS RESIGNED

Parliament deputy of Bulent Etsevit's Democratic Left Party Muzdat Kots resigned today, and as a result the party's seats in Parliament were reduced to 67.

The seats in the Turkish National Assembly are divided as follows: the Welfare Party of Prime Minister Erbakan has 160, the Motherland Party 127, Tansu Ciller's True Path Party 121, the Democratic Left 67, the Republican Popular Party 49, the Party of Greater Turkey 7 and the Party of Democratic Turkey 7. Also, in the Turkish National Assembly there are 10 independent deputies and two vacant seats.

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